Head coach Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Armando Broja will spend the 2022-23 campaign at Chelsea.
With less than two weeks remaining of the summer transfer window, Chelsea continue to be linked with Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
While not name-checking the former Arsenal man in his press conference on Friday, Tuchel hinted that he is keen to sign another "quality" player for the middle of his attack.
As it stands, Kai Havertz and Broja are challenging for that particular position with the former starting the two Premier League fixtures with Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Although Broja has made brief substitute outings in each game, the Albania international continues to be linked with a transfer elsewhere with several clubs known to be admirers.
© Reuters
However, when quizzed on the matter, Tuchel has hinted that the 20-year-old, who will miss the trip to Leeds United this weekend with a minor injury, will remain part of his first-team squad for the current season.
Tuchel said: "We know enough about him, but it is one thing to perform on a loan and another thing to perform within a club like Chelsea. So this is the next step.
"While he is doing the next steps, he got injured in pre-season, now he is injured again, and that does not help his own ambitions and does not help us in having a clear view on what he can give us.
"Given the size of the squad at the moment, I would say that it is a huge chance for Armando to have an impact at Chelsea. I understand that this is his clear ambition, his clear goal to make this step here, so it is on him. He gets our full support, our trust."
© Reuters
Broja spent the last campaign on loan at Southampton, where he contributed six goals from 21 starts and 11 substitute outings in the Premier League.
Before that, the academy graduate excelled during a similar spell at Vitesse, netting 10 times in 30 appearances in the Dutch top flight.
The likes of West Ham United, Everton and Newcastle United have been suggested as potential destinations at various points of the summer transfer window.
Broja still has four years remaining on his contract and reports have indicated that the club's new hierarchy are open to improving those terms.
Darren Plant
